Jack Draper sheds light on his unusual pre-match ritual ahead of facing world No 1 Jannik Sinner in Friday’s US Open semi-final

Britain’s US Open tennis hopeful Jack Draper has revealed one of the unusual rituals that he has been taking part in across the pond to prepare him for Grand Slam success.

Draper has been the star of Flushing Meadows after dominating on his way to the men’s singles semi-finals where he will play Italian Jannik Sinner on Friday evening.

The 22-year-old has ambitions to become the first British man to reach the final since Andy Murray previously did so in 2012 and is amongst the favourites to lift a first Grand Slam title.

His stunning victory over Alex de Minaur continues Draper’s US Open run of failing to drop a single set – a feat that fellow Brit Emma Raducanu previously achieved when she won the competition three-years ago.

Pre-match rituals have a long-running association in professional sport as athletes look to get a competitive edge over their opponents in any way possible and Draper is no different.

Draper is yet to drop a set during his run to the men’s semi-finals at the US Open

But, it’s not the manner in which he gets changed or any other peculiarity that Draper adheres to, his ritual is instead related to the location he visits on his morning walk and the visualisation process he goes through.

The British ace prefers to conduct early morning practices to avoid the searing American heat and has been preparing for the chance to play on centre court at the Arthur Ashe stadium before he was even aware he would be playing there.

Speaking ahead of his US Open semi-final contest, Draper told Sky Sports: ‘It felt good. It helps having played on Wimbledon Centre Court and having played in a lot of challenging environments for the first time.

‘Every morning it’s been a ritual of mine, cause I’ve practiced so early, to take a look around Centre Court when it’s been empty and taken a look up. 

‘The last few days I’ve been going out there not knowing I’m going to play on it but just taking a look. 

Draper revealed he has been taking morning walks to the Arthur Ashe stadium to prepare him for success

‘Because it’s one of the most iconic stages in the sport. I think that helped me get used to it,’ he added.

Should Draper beat his close friend, Sinner, in Friday’s semi-final then he will play a home favourite on American soil in either the form of Taylor Fritz or Frances Tiafoe.

Analysing his chances of reaching the US Open final, Draper admitted he is remaining fully focused on the task at hand and not getting carried away. 

‘Yeah, it feels unbelievable. I maybe haven’t quite sort of put it in my mind yet. I’m still focused on the next match. That’s the way tennis works, you’ve got to keep on going,’ he said.